Marlins at Rockies, August 17 2012: Game Time, Lineups, and Preview.

Miami Marlins at Colorado Rockies, 6.40 P.M.

Well, who would have thunk it?! The Rockies (45-71) are on a 4 game win streak, which is their first since sweeping the Houston Astros from May 28-31. They won again on June 1, and they go tonight against the Marlins (53-66) looking to match this streak. It has only taken 5 months, but the Rockies are now playing their best baseball of the season. Looking to continue this pleasing trend tonight is Jeff Francis (4-4, 5.99 ERA) versus the Marlins Wade LeBlanc (1-2, 1.45 ERA).

Francis is 2-3 with a 6.96 ERA at home this season. However, he was much more effective in his last start against the Milwaukee Brewers last Monday, going 5 1/3 innings with 3 ER in a 9-6 Rockies win. He has faced the Marlins 3 times in his career, the last time in 2010. Overall he is 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA. Francis needs to control the Marlins Carlos Lee, who has owned him (all games with the Astros) – lifetime 5-10 with a HR and 2 doubles.

LeBlanc has his 4th straight start tonight after replacing the ineffective Carlos Zambrano. After his first 2 starts were limited by a pitch count (Rockies pitchers no doubt sympathize with him), in his last start versus the LA Dodgers last Sunday, he only gave up 1 ER in 7 innings but go no offensive support at all in a 5-0 loss. Against the Rockies he has 6 career starts and is 1-3 with a 4.93 ERA. At Coors Field he is 1-2 with a 6.06 ERA.

During this 4 game win streak the pitching staff has posted a 5.00 ERA (they are a major-league worst 6.07 ERA at home for the year). They have been bailed out by the offense who are collectively batting .376 with 15 extra base hits and 29 runs scored. In the last 2 games the Rockies have come back down 6-5 in the 9th inning to win and again yesterday after being down 3-1.

Rockies Line-up:

Eric Young Jr RF

Josh Rutledge SS

Dexter Fowler CF

Carlos Gonzalez LF

Wilin Rosario C

Jordan Pacheco 1B

Chris Nelson 3B

DJ LeMahieu 2B

Jeff Francis P

Marlins Line-up:

Bryan Petersen LF